$113 million tourism bonanza - American Airlines takes flight for Brisbane

• The world’s largest carrier American Airlines to start daily flights from Dallas Fort Worth to Brisbane
• Miles’ Government’s Attracting Aviation Investment Fund helped secure flights, up to 62,000 international visitors, and $113 million over three years
• Expected to create up to 690 Queensland jobs.

American Airlines will fly into Brisbane with a daily service in a major coup for attracting visitors to Queensland from the massive North American market.

It’s the first time the airline has flown into Brisbane, with daily services starting from Dallas Fort Worth on 27 October 2024 in time for the northern winter.

The service will bring 141,000 seats into Queensland over three years, filled by a forecast 62,000 international visitors, who will spend up to $113 million.

Among them will be US students, who represent the tenth largest international student cohort in Queensland but those numbers have dropped since COVID.

The new American Airlines flights, on a 244-seat B787-900, will support up to 690 good Queensland jobs over three years.

The plane has up to 18 tonnes in freight capacity, providing a boost for Queensland exports to the US which last financial year was worth $409 million.

The flights are supported by the Attracting Aviation Investment Fund, which has now supported 28 services delivering 2 million international seats and up to $1.75 billion in overnight visitor spending each year, supporting more than 20,000 jobs.

Quotes attributable to Premier Steven Miles:

“This is a massive win for Queensland tourism – more international visitors spending more money in our economy and generating nearly 700 local jobs.

“It’s been a tough few months for tourism operators but this new flight promises better times ahead for them, our primary producer exporters, and education providers.

“Our Government’s Attracting Aviation Investment Fund has now supported 28 new flights which generate about $1.75 billion in overnight visitor spending each year, supporting more than 20,000 jobs.”

Quotes attributable to Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment Cameron Dick:

“This is a massive coup for Queensland as we continue to rebuild international tourism after the COVID downturn, opening up the state to the lucrative North American market during the peak winter period.

“This new American Airlines service also opens up so many new opportunities for Queensland businesses, both in Texas and across parts of the eastern and southern United States.

“Dallas Fort Worth is one of the top 5 largest and busiest airports in the world and its metroplex is home to 24 fortune 500 company headquarters.”

Quotes attributable to Tourism Minister Michael Healy:

“Brisbane is a global brand and continues to grow since being named an Olympic and Paralympic City, so this gives Americans the chance to see our state first-hand and provides an avenue for students and their families to return.

“The extra freight capacity is great news for Queensland exports, especially with fresh produce now able to be flown out of Brisbane instead of being trucked interstate to other airports.

“Securing American Airlines through our Governments $200 million Attracting Aviation Investment Fund is an important step in rebuilding Queensland’s international visitor economy post the pandemic.”

Quotes attributable to Jose Freig, American Airlines Vice President International Operations:

“We’re excited to be further strengthening our Asia-Pacific footprint as we add sunny Queensland to our growing list of destinations.

“With our new route and our partnership with Qantas, our customers in Brisbane will have access to our largest U.S. hub, from where they can connect to explore unexplored and much-loved destinations around the world, from sunny Miami to the deep south in Sao Paulo and beyond.”

Quotes attributable to Gert-Jan de Graaff, CEO, Brisbane Airport:

“American Airlines entry into the market is a milestone moment, locking in Brisbane Airport’s 30^th direct international connection, our 25^th international airline, and Brisbane’s longest route.

“Its Dallas Fort Worth hub will provide travellers with a world of options in North, Central and South America.

“It underscores Brisbane’s allure as a global destination, and unlocks fresh tourism and business prospects for Queensland, with every jet providing export opportunities to the USA.

“Our partnership with American Airlines supercharges Brisbane Airport’s position as an aviation hub and will be Brisbane’s fourth gateway into North America, alongside Vancouver, San Francisco and Los Angeles.”

Media contact: Bill Walker 0437 859 987